It would seem very distracting even to a professional rider to have a jug full of water poured down your back as you are climbing a cat 1. I even see some guys run along and squirt water from a water bottle on the back of thier neck.

I know when I ride I regulate my own body temp to where I need it and if someone dumped water on me when I didnt want it, it would effect me negatively.

Do the riders welcome this or is it a distraction? Are some fans just giant jerks or do they really think they are helping thier favorite guy or to the opposite hurting thier least favorite guy?

Most of what I have read from riders is that they tolerate it but dont like it too much. Why cant the fan on the side of the road be more respectful of these riders and not throw a water on them out of nowhere.

you're in Chicago...what is it about 90 degrees there yesterday? image racing (not riding) up a cat 3 climb with ten of the top racers in the world on your wheel. Sweat is dripping from you face and and the sun is beating on you! You've downed 4 bottles of water already and you get a splash of water from a fan...trust me it feels good!

I'm pretty sure it would be better if the fans clear the road and let the riders get a good read of the road!

It seems the riders put more water over their bodies than into them. There was a photo from The Tour this week of a bunch of fire-fighters shooting water into the air for the Pro's to ride through. So I assume the majority don't mind. Many riders have taken water from spectators they are so desperate for water on the climbs. It looks pretty hot.

It seems the riders put more water over their bodies than into them. There was a photo from The Tour this week of a bunch of fire-fighters shooting water into the air for the Pro's to ride through. So I assume the majority don't mind. Many riders have taken water from spectators they are so desperate for water on the climbs. It looks pretty hot.

CHEERS.

Mark

Have you seen riders take water from spectators? This is very dangerous just because of the fact that the water could have some type of drug it in that would show up in the drug tests after the race. I know this is one of the main reasons you will not see any rider from Disco drink from anything but from there own team cars.

A cooling shower from a fire hose aimed skyward would probably be most welcome, but some of the riders during this week's Pyrenees climbs looked a little startled and PO'ed at all the inopportune squirts coming from the water bottles of crazed fans.